“I remember sitting in my maths class at high school and being asked what I would like to be when I grew up. A child psychologist was my reply. The laughter and smirks irked me, like I was wrong for thinking I could achieve such a career.

“I never placed thought on how I could become one – with grades or university. For me, the focus was purely on how I wanted to help and be connected to people.

“After my sixth year, I continued education at drama school. I enjoyed it a lot and feel extremely grateful for how it helped bring me out of my shell and to grow confidence and self-esteem. But I soon realised how unsatisfied I was, there was still something inside of me waiting to get out.

“I decided to go back to education, and much to my surprise, I got into university to study psychology, which has now lead me on a path to my career in social work.

“I’ve never felt so settled and confident in my decisions. It just fits, it feels right, exciting and scary all at the same time.

“People often ask why social work, and like to tell me how difficult it is going to be for me when I become one. I get it – I’m not naive – it just makes me more persistent than ever to help create change in society and people’s lives.

“Although the journey to get me here has changed, had its ups and downs, tears and laughter – the one thing that has stayed the same is my passion to help those around me.

“To stay true to myself and my career, I must be persistent and hopeful. If I don’t, then I lose my sense of self. And if I lose that, what use am I to myself let alone anyone else.”